PENSACOLA, FL – A 25-year-old Florida woman, Alyssa Marie Blackburn, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for assisting in the murder of her boyfriend, Jesse Geoghagan, who was fatally shot in his home while hiding from intruders. The case, described by prosecutors as a “search and destroy mission,” shocked the Pensacola community and drew national attention.
Conviction and Sentence
First Judicial Circuit Judge Amy P. Brodersen issued Blackburn’s sentence on Wednesday following her conviction by an Escambia County jury in August 2025. She was found guilty of being a principal to second-degree murder, meaning she participated in, assisted, or encouraged the killing.
The two men involved in the slaying, Jacob Colville and Lawrence Bonner Jr., were also convicted. Colville, the shooter, was convicted of first-degree premeditated murder in June 2024 and sentenced to life in prison, while Bonner pleaded no contest to second-degree murder in August 2024, receiving five years with over 1,000 days credited for time already served.
Family Reaction
Before the sentence was handed down, several of Geoghagan’s family members spoke in court, urging the judge to ensure Blackburn would never be released.
Ashley Arnold, Geoghagan’s sister, said, “Now that he’s gone, everything is different. He was just trying to come home that day, and now he’s sitting on a shelf in my house. A whole part of me is gone.”
Details of the Murder
The murder occurred on October 29, 2022, at Geoghagan’s home on the 1000 block of Medford Avenue in Pensacola, Florida, near the Alabama border.
Court documents reveal that Blackburn initially told investigators she had been walking the dog during the home invasion. However, security camera footage and eyewitness accounts contradicted her story.
Investigators reported:
- Blackburn arrived at the home armed with a black semi-automatic handgun.
- She conducted an initial search for Geoghagan, exited, and contacted Colville and Bonner to confirm he was inside.
- Colville then re-entered the home, located Geoghagan, who had been hiding in the closet, and fatally shot him multiple times.
During the trial, prosecutors presented text messages proving Blackburn knew Colville and Bonner intended to kill Geoghagan.
Legal Proceedings and Evidence
The jury found Blackburn guilty after reviewing evidence, including:
- Video surveillance showing her armed entry into the home.
- Eyewitness testimony corroborating her involvement in orchestrating the attack.
- Text messages indicating her prior knowledge of the murder plan.
This case highlights the serious consequences for those who plan or assist in violent crimes, even if they do not directly commit the act themselves.
Call to Action
What are your thoughts on Blackburn’s life sentence and the role of accomplices in violent crimes? Share your opinion in the comments below and discuss how justice can be ensured for victims and their families.
